033:

She sat in the office at Diamond Engine Productions twiddling her pencil and rubbing her heels on the carpet next to her shoes which she'd discovered too late were too tight and too high. Her hair was also pulled back too tightly, which had given her a headache, and she could hear Ryan's voice telling her that she didn't need to pull it back so tightly. But she had a problem.... If she left it down, people-- guys--- seemed to flock to her. And it was annoying. Her mother had this same problem and they'd discussed it. Why did guys.... Of all people, guys the most... like her hair? She felt like she needed to wear it in a librarian bun on the back of her head.

Ryan sat beside her, he had been holding her hand, but both of them had gotten hot and a trifle sweaty, listening to the producers drone on and on about their projects. This was a major motion picture, a triple play, a huge catapult. She should be ecstatic. Right now she just felt annoyed.

There were about twenty people around this huge table. Across from her was Cousin Stevie, looking good as usual, and also contemplating so many projects this one barely made a dent in how popular he was. She had talked to him briefly and they determined they should do something together, maybe go home to Montana, but she had a gig this weekend, or maybe it was two gigs, she couldn't remember. Things were blurring. She had also told Ryan they could plan a small wedding. Maybe in Montana. Her mind was wandering....

She looked up as a lull in the conversation brought her back to the present, concerned that it was her turn to talk and they were waiting for a response and she'd not heard, but then one of the producers went on and she looked back down, but not before her eyes caught on that someone was staring at her.

This was the first time she'd met Kell Stevak. He was known as flamboyant, yet camouflaged. He was highly respected, yet completely wild and unpredictable. They said he was the next Brando, never played a scene the same way twice. His eyes were so dark they seemed black, under dark brows and lashes. He wasn't a big guy at all, in fact, looked positively small next to Cousin Stevie, which was who he sat beside, and every so often they leaned together and spoke quietly, occasionally looking at her. That was annoying, were they discussing her? What kinds of things was Cousin Stevie revealing about her?

Ryan took her hand again and the slight build immediately diffused and she felt herself relax. She'd learned that diffusing quickly all these residual builds helped keep things like hallucinating T-Rex's and cougars at bay. No vampires entered her thoughts unless she was really, really, really upset.

"Aren't you expecting?" Suddenly Kell's voice rang out in the stillness. There wasn't anybody else in the room who he could possibly be speaking to.

Melia's mouth opened, wasn't it obvious?

"Yeah, she is, but she's due in about eight weeks, and this thing won't be off the ground till after that." Ryan said, putting her hand on the table.

"But then you're talking about a newborn on set and distracting her from work. And doesn't she have a condition that renders her distracted from work most of the time anyway?" Kell Stevak was still staring her down, but then he turned to the top producer in the room. "I'm not sure I want to work with her under these conditions, what made you look at her for Ava anyway? I picture someone like Anita Cashmere, or Crystal Meehan."

It was incredibly rude, and Melia just sat there completely aghast, unable to even fathom why he'd attacked her like that. He'd never even spoken to her before. She wasn't used to people freaking out about her condition, she'd actually just completed three films this year and all three had done and were doing really well.

"Melia, we weren't aware that you are pregnant, congratulations by the way." Marvin Martin diplomatically checked his notebook and then glanced up at her. "Nevertheless, Kell, her condition is well documented, and although some people have had mild discomfort from working with her, we find that she is the perfect Ava, and we still want her. You are also the perfect Pirate Captain. Steve is your sidekick, and he's willing to work with Melia, and is comfortable with her slight handicap. Is it a handicap or a condition?"

Ryan squeezed her hand. "It's a condition, and if there's a problem, I can be on set to help." He told them easily and for that she was grateful. Melia chanced another glance at Kell Stevak, and found him staring her down once again, and there was hostility in his eyes.

"If you are distracted by your two conditions you need to keep it to yourself. I won't be making exceptions for either of them. They are your problem and the rest of us shouldn't have to suffer or be off schedule because of you."

"My films are usually brought in on time, Mr. Stevak. And my condition--- my pregnancy--- will be concluded by the time we are ready for production." She managed, tossing her head a little to show that he wasn't getting to her, even though he was. Ryan squeezed her hand again and she found it annoying and withdrew herself, folding her arms across her chest and giving Kell Stevak another grim expression. If he was the obstacle in this project, then she was up to the challenge.

The question did arise, and quite forcefully--- why was he noticeably annoyed with her?

She decided to text Cousin Stevie under the table and find out. She did and saw him glance down at his phone, and then up at her. She nodded, her eyes wide-- for him to open it.

Why is Mr. Stevak so annoyed with me?

Not sure. Might have to do with your band.

But I'm not occupied with it right now really. Just a few gigs, and minor practices.

You're just very busy with your own life.

And what? I'm unprofessional about it?

No. Very professional.

Then what?

Melia, can this wait? Texting right now is rude.

Melia sighed and slipped her phone in her pocket. Ryan gave her a quizzical look and then glanced back to Steve. Melia shook her head to end the unwanted interest and sat and fumed.

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